Even in a season impacted by injuries, T.J. Watt was still selected to his fifth consecutive Pro Bowl.
However, Watt has opted to not participate this year.
The decision to not play isn't due to any new injuries. Rather, Watt is letting his body heal after dealing with multiple injuries from the 2022 season. A torn pectoral muscle suffered in Week 1 sidelined him for the next seven weeks. During that time, Watt also underwent arthroscopic knee surgery to clean up an injury suffered in the preseason.
Bill's linebacker Matt Milano will take Watt's spot on the AFC roster at the Pro Bowl Games. Milano and Watt's teammate Alex Highsmith both made the Pro Football Writers of America's All-AFC team due to a tie in the votes at outside linebacker. However, Milano will make the trip to Las Vegas.
The Patriots' Matt Judon and the Chargers' Khalil Mack are the other outside linebackers representing the AFC.
With Watt opting out of the Pro Bowl Games, Minkah Fitzpatrick is now the only player representing the Steelers.
However, Highsmith, Pat Freiermuth, Cam Heyward and Derek Watt are alternates for the AFC. Any players that are selected to the Pro Bowl whose team makes the Super Bowl are automatically taken off the Pro Bowl roster. If the Chiefs win the AFC Championship game on Sunday, Freiermuth or Heyward have a chance to replace tight end Travis Kelce and/or defensive tackle Chris Jones.
